FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Closing the ‘digital divide’: Most Canadians support CRTC action to provide broadband to all households

Seven-in-ten say access to broadband internet is an essential service

June 10, 2016 – Most Canadians believe high-speed internet is an “essential” service, and see ensuring universal access to it as a priority.

These are some of the findings of a new survey of Canadian public opinion on broadband internet access self-commissioned by the Angus Reid Institute.

The poll of more than 1,500 Canadian adults finds strong support for efforts to close the ‘digital divide’ between high- and low-income – and urban and rural – households in Canada. More than seven-in-ten Canadians support policies aimed at improving affordability for low-income earners, and roughly the same number favour a requirement that internet service providers build the necessary infrastructure to reach remote communities.

Key Findings:

Two-in-three (68%) Canadians say broadband internet is an essential service for all Canadians

Seven-in-ten (71%) say the CRTC should require service providers to build the infrastructure necessary to ensure that every Canadian household has a broadband internet connection

Rural Canadians report lower levels internet service quality, and less value for their money overall when purchasing services